Research

Our research focuses on assessment & feedback, development and assessment of holistic competencies i.e. 21st century skills, attitudes and values and experiential learning for higher education and school levels. We welcome graduates with excellent academic records to apply for PhD and post-doctoral positions with us, as well as research collaborations and consultations on teaching, learning and research related matters. Please contact Dr. Chan directly to discuss in more details.

Our ResearchResearch GrantsResearch Projects

Higher Education

Assessment & Feedback

Collecting good practices in teaching and learning in Business, Engineering and Science disciplines from prestigious research intensive universities around the world

Generic Skills

Developing the Holistic Competency Model (Chan’s HCD model)

Collecting good practices which contributes to the cultivation of holistic competencies

Developing an evidence-based pedagogical driven online system for teachers and students to evaluate their performance or demonstration of relevant generic skills in different out of class activities

Examining students’ and teachers’ perceptions of holistic competencies development in engineering education in Hong Kong universities

Experiential Learning

Research on residential education to facilitate the development of a staff training programme, and to enhance the quality of student learning

Research on the assessment of experiential learning especially in internship, community service and capstone experiences in Engineering

Collecting good practices in experiential learning

School Education

Developing and Assessing holistic competencies for school students

Have, U Can programme

Secondary School Students Career Aspirations in Science and Engineering

Parental Preference on Primary School Selection in Hong Kong

Research Grants

2016 – 2019

Funding for Teaching and Learning from UGCTitle: Driving Cultural and Educational Shift: Providing Support, Activities and Professional Development in the Pedagogy, Assessment and Evidence of Student Learning in Holistic Competencies.Collaborating UGC Institutions: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University, The Education University of Hong KongAmount: HK$8,947,836Role: PI

2015 HKU Seed Funding Programme for Basic ResearchTitle: The Challenges of Assessing and Certifying Generic Skills in a Discipline-Specific Context for Hong Kong Higher Education – How can this be achieved?Amount: HK$ 56,625Role: PI

2015 – 2017

General Research Fund 2015Title:The Development of Generic Skills Competency: A conceptual evidence-based model to effectively engage students from out-of-class, extra-curricular and in-class learning experiences in a discipline-specific context (A cross-institutional project in collaboration with CUHK and HKUST, which can be considered as an extension of the previous General Research Fund project (2011) on engineering students’ generic skills development. It is also closely related to a Teaching Development Grant supported project on building an Engineering Education Community of Practice.)Amount: HK$ 895,000Role: PI

2015 – 2017

Special Funding for Teaching & Learning from UGCTitle:Developing, Assessing and Providing Direct Evidence of Student Learning in Generic Skills in the Context of Engineering Higher Education in Hong Kong (A cross-institutional project in collaboration with CUHK, HKUST and BU, which is again closely related to the two projects on engineering students’ generic skills development supported by the General Research Fund, but may have a more direct implication on the policy in reviewing direct evidence of student learning in the respective higher education institutions.)Amount: HK$ 4,992,555Role: PI

2014 – 2016

Special Funding for Teaching & Learning from UGCTitle:Professional Development and Capacity Building for Residential Education (A cross-institutional project, which also involves invitation of international speakers to share their expertise and experience in hall education with local residential education practitioners.)Amount: HK$ 2,230,000Role: Co-I

2013 – 2015

General Research Fund 2013Title:Aspiring to Become an Engineer: engineering education experiences affecting secondary school studentspursuit of an engineering career in Hong Kong, China and the UKAmount: HK$ 329,458

Science Foundation Ireland: Institute Planning AwardTitle: To conduct a self-assessment proposal of women’s participation in Science and Engineering Research Activities and Research Management within DITAmount: €10,000Role: Team Lead in Engineering

2005 – 2007

DIT Team Research Scheme TERSTitle: HEART Project Health InformaticsAmount: €50,000Role: Team Member

Research Projects

Changing Mind, Changing Practice and Shifting Culture in Engineering, Science and Business Education from Leading Research Intensive Universities

2016 –

The Challenges of Assessing and Certifying Generic Skills in a Discipline-Specific Context for Hong Kong Higher Education – How can this be achieved?

2015 – 2017

The Development of Generic Skills Competency: A conceptual evidence-based model to effectively engage students from out-of-class, extra-curricular and in-class learning experiences in a discipline-specific context

2015 – 2017

Developing, Assessing and Providing Direct Evidence of Student Learning in Generic Skills in the Context of Engineering Higher Education in Hong Kong

2014 – 2016

Professional Development and Capacity Building for Residential Education

2013 – 2015

Assessment and Feedback – Develop Discipline-Based Assessment and Feedback Resources by Identifying Good Practices in the Faculty of Business and Economics (B&E) and the Faculty of Science at HKU and Other Overseas Universities

2013 – 2015

Aspiring to Become an Engineer: engineering education experiences affecting secondary school students pursuit of an engineering career in Hong Kong, China and the UK

2011 – 2014

The Development of Generic Skills: A curriculum design framework adapting student and teacher perspectives and approaches to learning in a discipline-specific context for Hong Kong higher education

2010 – 2012

Tackling Action Plans from HKUSLEQ Faculty Report by Building an Engineering Education Research Community to share Good Practices in Engineering Education